Illinois crushes Missouri 75-59 for win in Braggin' Rights series

Wednesday

Dec 24, 2008 at 12:01 AMDec 24, 2008 at 5:29 AM

Finally, Illinois might have your attention.

John Supinie

Finally, Illinois might have your attention.

Jumping to a 20-point lead in the first half behind dazzling guard Demetri McCamey, Illinois blew past No. 25 Missouri 75-59 Tuesday for its ninth straight win in the Braggin' Rights series before a crowd of 19,586 at the Scottrade Center.

"It's a big stepping stone for our team and a big confidence boost,'' said Illini senior guard Chester Frazier, who controlled the tempo with eight assists and only two turnovers against Missouri's pressure defense. "It opened a few eyes out there to the Illini.''

Senior guard Trent Meacham scored 15 of his game-high 23 points in the second half while the Illini pushed their lead to 24 points, turning the rivalry game into a rare laugher.

If Illinois' record was considered suspect heading into the game, the Illini provided an eye-opener and a Christmas present for Illinois fans desperate for a meaningful win. The Illini improved to 11-1 before hosting Eastern Michigan Sunday (1 p.m., Big Ten Network).

In the process, Illinois set a record for consecutive wins in the series. Illinois also had an eight-game winning streak against Missouri from 1983 to 1990. As the Illini inch closer to the Big Ten opener, they take with them some added credibility.

"Now you get a top 25 win,'' said Illinois coach Bruce Weber. "It's a positive thing for our resume. I hope people are thinking about us like we're thinking about them in the league.''

The seats weren't full, partly because the game wasn't a sellout. But bad weather also kept them home or delayed on the road. Referee Steve Welmer couldn't make it to the game when I-70 was closed in Missouri. The Illini cheerleaders and pep band didn't get here until 7 minutes were gone.

By that time, the Illini were already in control.

McCamey scored 18 of his 20 points in the first half. He made his first five shots, including 3 three-pointers, to bury any thoughts of a hangover from Saturday, when he was benched to start the second half against Detroit.

"Demetri got us going and made some big plays,'' Weber said. "Maybe I need to put him in my doghouse every week so he comes out and plays. I wish he'd be more consistent without me threatening him and sitting him.''

McCamey scored 13 of Illinois' first 20 points, highlighted by a 24-footer to beat the shot clock. He was 8-for-11 from the field after missing his last shot.

"It feels good,'' he said. "Detroit wasn't my night. Tonight was my night. You have to bounce back. We're a team. No one could win this game (alone).''

After Missouri trimmed Illinois' lead to 15 points with 2 minutes 33 seconds left, Meacham buried a 3-pointer to end any doubts.

"This game is huge,'' Meacham said. "It's an NCAA Tournament game. That's what it feels like.''

So much for Missouri's touted defense. The Illini handled the full-court pressure, then carved up Missouri in the halfcourt. Illinois' crisp ball movement continually led to open shots, and the Illini took advantage by shooting 56.9 percent. They hit 59.1 percent in the second half.

The Illini finished with 22 assists and 17 turnovers after getting sloppy down the stretch. Illinois led 40-22 at halftime while losing only five turnovers.

"You have to take care of the basketball against the pressure,'' Weber said. "If we defend them, they don't get opportunities to pressure. They rely so much on the press.''

Missouri, masquerading as a top 25 team, still hasn't won a Braggin' Rights game in this millennium. The Tigers fell to 9-2. Tigers’ forwards Leo Lyons and DeMarre Carroll entered by combining to average 33.8 points a game. Lyons lived up to the billing by scoring 22, but Carroll had just six points.

Take away Lyons' 7-for-12 shooting and the Tigers were 16-for-50.

"We were a full step off,'' said Missouri coach Mike Anderson. "We weren't covering guys. Guys went off the dribble. McCamey went off the dribble. Meacham went off the dribble. I think we're a better defense than that.

"They were able to dictate the tempo. The tempo was everything.''

NOTES: Illinois is 20-8 in the Braggin' Rights series in St. Louis. Overall, the Illini lead 27-12 in the series against Missouri. . . The Illini take Wednesday and Thursday off, then report for practice on Friday evening. . . Illinois won the previous two games against Missouri by a total of three points. . .

John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com.

Illinois report card

Front court A

Mike Tisdale and Mike Davis combined for 25 points and 17 rebounds. When the Illini broke the press, they were the beneficiaries of the open jump shots. Even though Missouri forward Leo Lyons had 22 points, the Illini held DeMarre Carroll to six points. The Illini's big men came up big.

Back court A

Sophomore guard Demetri McCamey had the hot start with 18 of his 20 points in the first half. Senior guard Trent Meacham finished off the Tigers, scoring 15 of his game-high 23 points in the second half. Guard Chester Frazier had eight assists and two turnovers while playing 35 minutes.

Bench C

Only forward Dominique Keller made much of an impression on the stat sheet. He finished with seven points, the only scoring from the bench.

Overall A

This is a victory that will get Illinois some attention and likely move them toward the top 25. After hosting Eastern Michigan on Sunday, Illinois opens the Big Ten with road games against Purdue and Michigan. A split there would be considered a victory. Let's not look that far ahead. Coach Bruce Weber and his Illini can enjoy Christmas with a ninth straight win against Missouri, a record in the emotionally charged series.

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